I just mentioned on Facebook that I’m growing my hair long. I figure if I’m going to be a struggling writer I might as well look like one. LOL It’s all part of the five year plan my friends.
Welcome back to Artistry With Words, the blog by writers, for writers and about writers and writing. No fees or dues here; just discussions, observations and helpful tips.
And today we are going to talk about struggles….but first, a quote.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“All life demands struggle. Those who have everything given to them become lazy, selfish, and insensitive to the real values of life. The very striving and hard work that we so constantly try to avoid is the major building block in the person we are today.”
Pope Paul VI
I hear often from new writers on HubPages who grow impatient because they are not receiving the number of views they expected. And my response is always the same: be patient and keep working on your craft and your plan.
You do have a plan, don’t you? I have mentioned before that I have a five-year plan in writing. Now five years may seem like a long time to some, and probably, since I’m now sixty-five and beginning Year Three of my plan, it should seem long to me as well, but…..Steinbeck went something like seven years before selling his first short story to a magazine….so I’m not feeling real bad about Year Three. The way I see it, I’m four years ahead of Steinbeck. LOL
If you are a person who simply wants to make some online passive income, then go to Bubblews and click away. If you are a writer who has a grander vision, then keep working and be patient.
TIP OF THE DAY
Write out a business plan for your writing endeavors. It will give you focus and a blueprint of success to follow. Otherwise you will be like so many writers first starting out, wandering aimlessly hoping to find success by osmosis. Is that really what you want to be doing?
CONTEST OF THE DAY
J.F. Powers Prize For Short Fiction, taking submissions of up to 8,000 words through November….NO ENTRY FEE! Did I mention there is no entry fee? First prize is $500 and national recognition. You can check out the submission guidelines here.
GET AWAY SITE OF THE DAY
Would you like a residency in Portugal for a few months? Check it out here.
PROMPT OF THE DAY
I’m still on the five senses kick. Write 200 words about this picture and appeal to all five senses. Great drill to help you relate to readers in a way they all can understand.
OPPORTUNITY OF THE DAY
Hey you recipe writers and food writers…Louisiana Cookin’ accepts queries and is a nationally recognized food magazine. Check them out here.
THAT’S IT FOR TODAY
I’m actually late and I apologize. I forgot to write this Monday so here I am at 9:03 PDT putting the finishing touches on it. I hope you found it useful. I’ll see you again on Thursday provided I remember.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
You’re growing your hair long? Awesome! You should re-do your “I Cry Real Tears” video with your long locks. I think beatniks deserve a comeback. I miss Maynard and Dobie Gillis! 🙂
God bless the beatniks, Sha! LOL I’ll take a picture when it gets long enough.
And this is why my hair is so very long now! But seriously, would love to see you with long hair my friend and if you do it make sure to take pictures 🙂
LOL…I wonder how many writers have long hair for that reason?
I will take pictures, Janine..I promise.
Have a great day and thank you!
I can visualize you with your long hair pulled back into a ponytail to keep it from getting in your way as you type!
Jaye, that was my look back in the late 60’s. We’ll see if I can still do it in a few months. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by.
I like the idea that writers need to live up to their image as starving artists. Personally I have been trying to culture a Bohemian look and decided to dye my hair red, lol. Also have been working on that business plan. I believe, like you, we certainly need to live the part.
Cygnet, I’m coming full circle. This was the look I had in my younger days; now it definitely fits the writing image. 🙂 Thanks…and I hope you like your hair red.
At first, I thought that old barn was the residency in Portugal. 😀
LOL….Lizzy, you have a world-class imagination. 🙂 Thanks for the laugh.
I am chuckling as I read this…long hair and you…nah!
having a vision is important for any project and I am happy that you will achieve your peak in 5 years time…me…dunno but will continue to strive 🙂
Oh Ruchira, there was a time when I had hair halfway down my back. I don’t think I’ll grow it quite that long this time around. 🙂
Haha…I had a plan on Hubpages, then it changed. Then I started writing and doing art/photography and then it changed. Oh well…sometimes you have to leave teaching to figure out that, given the right circumstances, you truly, truly love it. I truly, truly love it – and where I work. Now…if they could just make me full time when I graduate…but maybe I’ll embrace the part timeness and get back to writing when I finish…or work on a book…or take photos…or do more art…or teach some more…or tutor…aw, hell, I don’t know what I want. 😉 I’m just enjoying it all. 😛
Cyndi, the only thing that counts is if you are enjoying the journey. The plans and actions will work themselves out over time. I’m so happy that you are happy. Keep on keeping on lil’ Sis!
Awesome tips for those seeking motivation and inspiration to write online. I dig the fact that you’re providing writing challenges and resources for folks. It gives much more purpose to your blog. Nice post Bill.
Thank you so much, Mike. I just want this blog to be useful for people; take what they need and leave the rest for others. I appreciate your affirmation, buddy, and hope you are having an awesome day.
You have a knack for always selecting the perfect quote, Bill.
Thanks for another post packed with valuable suggestions. Love, Maria
and you, Maria, have a knack for saying just the right thing to affirm your friends. Thank you always.
love,
bill